Harrowsmith Public School and the Magic of Theatre

Jemma Dooreleyers | Apr 24, 2024

The Hysterical History of the Trojan War, a play put on by Harrowsmith Public School on April 18th and 19th, was everything you could ask for and more from an elementary school production. With a high-calibre set and costume design the actors of Harrowsmith PS transported the audience to Homer’s Greece and had them laughing the whole time.

A story of love, war, death, betrayal, family dynamics and vanity, The Hysterical History of the Trojan War (D.M. Larson), is a modern-day adaptation of the Illiad by Homer (a chronicle of the Trojan War). With modern and simple language that both students and audience members can understand, Danielle Harding, Harrowsmith’s grade three teacher and her cast put on a lively, hilarious and educational production with an impressive degree of charisma and skill.

Not only were the young actors well-rehearsed, well-costumed and captivating, it was obvious that they were having a lot of fun, a dynamic that kept the audience well in the palm of their hands the entire 45-minute run time.

Danielle Harding, the grade three teacher at Harrowsmith PS and director of the play, chose this play for that exact reason.

“As it’s a light script, it’s the perfect avenue for students to have fun and not take themselves too seriously,” she said. “This, I think, is a fantastic way to introduce them to the world of theatre.”

Harding and the cast have been working on the play since January and while many hours of rehearsal and late nights of costume and set design went into the production, Harding believes the hard work pays off every time.

“It was amazing to see the pride they felt in themselves and in their own accomplishments, as well as to witness the confidence they gained,” she said. “ There were so many students who helped to create this show - from the actors to the artistic crew, to the photography club, to the tech and backstage crew - and they seemed awed by the result when they pulled it all together for their performances.”

“That kind of magic makes every minute spent on this play worthwhile.”

Because she is so passionate about creativity and fostering it, she wanted to provide the opportunity to explore their creativity as well and she believes that live productions are a wonderful avenue for that.

“I truly want our students to have a variety of experiences available to them as they’re growing up,” said Harding. “The arts are so frequently undervalued, but creativity has the power to both ground us and challenge us, and that can’t be understated.”

“Providing different opportunities also helps children find something they’re passionate about - and they were so passionate about this!”

Harding said the most surprising part of the play was how enthusiastic and supportive the parents and other community members at Harrowsmith PS were about the play and setting up the students for success.

“The families at my previous schools were always thankful and supportive when I staged plays, but at Harrowsmith PS, the feedback I received was extra special.”

The North Frontenac Little Theatre, Loughborough PS, Land O’Lakes PS and A3 Custom Builds (a new 3D printing business in Harrowsmith) were all acknowledged and thanked for their costume, set and tech donations for the production, showing that fostering creativity for youth is truly a community effort.

At the end of the run, Harding had experienced a roller coaster of emotions that come with directing and producing a play with actors all under 14 but the most prominent emotion she felt was pride.

“It was a wild ride of emotions! I was nervous for all the students involved, but also full of wonder at seeing their personalities shine. Above everything, I was so, so proud of them.”